Reptile & Amphibian Forums

My female RT simply insists on hibernating. She is seriously underweight and has an URI, so I am trying to overwinter her. I soak her twice a day, keep her enclosure at 80 degrees 24/7 and inject her with Baytril every 48 hours, but she just crawls back to the darkest, coolest corner and sleeps until I next disturb her. She has not eaten in the 3 weeks I have had her.

I just don't see what else I can do other than hope she lives until Spring and her biological clock wakes her up. Any other ideas for me? Anyone with a similar experience?

Rene

I would suggest administering the Baytril orally. Not only is Baytril reported to suppress the apatite but the shots are extremely painful and the Baytril given orally is just as effective.

Don't give her a choice for a cool end. A constant temperature of 86F is better in this case. Keep up the daily soakings and tube feed her if you do not see her taking in any fluids. I use Pedialite and Petinic when I'm rehabbing tortoises. Hydration is the most important factor.

Good luck.
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Ed
Tortoise_Keepers-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
Trying to keep the fun in Chelonian care

Thanks. I'm going to need a whole lot of luck. We have been unable to pull her head out to pry her mouth open to force feed food or liquids, so I will try increasing the heat yet again. I am just so afraid of cooking her to death.

Rene